Best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland

Iceland is world famous as a Northern Lights travel destination. From mid-September to early April, travellers visit the island hoping to see the magical lights dancing across the night sky.

Iceland is world famous as a 'Northern Lights' travel destination. Between mid-September and early April, travellers flock to this island to search each evening for the magical lights in the sky.

Experiencing the Northern Lights dancing above you in Iceland needs planning and luck – as locals, we can help you see the Northern Lights while also enjoying an adventure of a lifetime in our region.

When is the best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The Northern Lights are one of nature's marvels, but they are also one of the most unpredictable. The best time to see the Northern Lights in Iceland is when the sky is clear and dark and temperatures are cold and dry, typically between mid-September and early April. You can only see them with enough solar activity, so sightings are never guaranteed. Download an aurora forecast app and start watching the forecasts, which measure aurora activity from zero to nine, with three and above considered promising.

Iceland only gets a few hours of daylight in midwinter, so it is certainly dark enough for Northern Lights viewing. The average winter temperature is around 0 °C (32 °F) along the coast, although colder conditions can occur inland.

Just be sure you give yourself enough time in Iceland – one or two nights may not allow enough time for clouds or storms to pass.

Where are the best places to see the Northern Lights in Iceland?

The critical ingredient for optimal Northern Lights viewing is a clear night with little or no light pollution. Reykjavík is where most travellers start their journey, but on many nights you will need to head out of town to avoid the city lights. It is actually a small city, so getting out into darker surroundings is relatively easy – you just need to factor it into your planning.

Iceland does not have the glass igloo resorts commonly found in Scandinavia, but there are many lodges and countryside properties that offer a good level of darkness and comfort. Most evening activities offered on our tours throughout winter include a portion of Northern Lights hunting. There are also some very special spots to try to see the lights from, including the Blue Lagoon, beside waterfalls and along Iceland’s unique black beaches – just let us know what you are after.

Best tours to see the Northern Lights in Iceland during autumn

During September, October and November, you have the chance to see the Northern Lights in Iceland without snow on the ground and with a little more daylight to enjoy outdoor adventure activities. Storms can happen around October and November, so conditions should always be checked carefully if you are self-driving.

To make the most of the autumn experience, we suggest a tour such as Icelandic Lights. This small group tour is designed to include the highlights of Iceland and aims to maximise the chances of seeing the elusive Northern Lights.

Head to the countryside, from the regions of Snæfellsnes Peninsula in the west to the Vatnajökull glacier in the south-east.

Discover the Golden Circle, the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the Blue Lagoon, the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the black lava beach. Climb a volcano, enter a lava cave, meet Icelandic horses on a farm and see turf farmsteads and churches.

Best spring tours to see the Northern Lights in Iceland

During March and April, you can still witness the Northern Lights in Iceland. With the extra daylight, you can add another daily adventure, go hiking and enjoy calmer, more consistent weather. Availability will generally be better for accommodation and activities, and it can be easier to secure bookings.

Our most popular tour to see the Northern Lights during spring is the Fire, Ice and the Blue Lagoon tour. This tour stays in Reykjavík and ventures out each day or evening into the countryside for excursions.

Best winter tours to see the Northern Lights in Iceland

During December, January and February, you are visiting Iceland in peak winter season. It can be considerably harder to find accommodation and activities during this time, so booking well in advance is recommended.

Alternatively, booking a small group tour can make planning easier. We suggest a tour such as Icelandic Lights, which simplifies travel during the colder months.

There is very little daylight during midwinter, with long dawn and dusk periods. Storms are also common during this season and can occasionally lead to the cancellation of tours or the temporary closure of main roads. Organised sightseeing tours that search for the Northern Lights monitor conditions closely each evening and will adjust plans where necessary.

The Northern Lights can appear at any time during darkness, although late evening often provides favourable viewing conditions.

Can you see the Northern Lights in Reykjavík?

Yes, you can sometimes see the Northern Lights from Reykjavík, but they will usually be less visible than in darker areas due to light pollution. If you are in Reykjavík and want to see the Northern Lights, it is best to move away from the city lights.

You can take a ferry to Videy Island or visit the Seltjarnarnes Nature Reserve. However, you are more likely to have better results by joining a tour or driving out into the dark surrounding countryside.